Managing Heavy Periods

Managing Heavy Periods

More than 10 million women are impacted by heavy periods each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [https://www.cdc.gov/female-blood-disorders/about/heavy-menstrual-bleeding.html]. Some signs that your period is too heavy include:    ·         Doubling up on period products (using a pad and tampon)  ·         Ongoing fatigue ·         Quarter-sized or larger blood clots  ·         A flow that stops you from living your everyday life  ·         Bleeding that lasts for more than seven days   Whether your “time of the month” has been affecting your regular routine for a while or you recently noticed a change with your cycle, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part Two of our podcast series, we talk about how to manage heavy periods with OB-GYN Cori Shollenberger, MD [https://www.lvhn.org/doctors/cori-shollenberger], with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) [https://www.lvhn.org], part of Jefferson Health.   What treatment options can help women feel better and allow them to start experiencing a cycle that is manageable? Are there any lifestyle changes that can help? How can heavy periods impact your overall health? What are some tips for managing a heavy cycle? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month. Chapters: * 0:01 - Intro * 0:25 - Heavy periods and testing * 2:53 - Treatment options * 4:47 - Lifestyle changes  * 5:33 - Surgery  * 7:01 - Periods and genetics  * 7:27 - How your period impacts your overall health  * 9:21 - Tips for managing a heavy cycle

Why Is My Period So Heavy?

Having heavy, painful periods or menstrual cycles is often normalized because so many women experience this reality monthly. Coping with a heavy period and feeling unwell are not normal though – they are signs to take a closer look at what is going on inside.    If you feel like you’re planning your life around your period, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast, where we talk about heavy periods and their connection to iron deficiency and bleeding disorders with Nathan Hagstrom, MD [https://www.lvhn.org/doctors/j-nathan-hagstrom], pediatric hematologist oncologist, and Emily Jacobson, PA-C [https://www.lvhn.org/doctors/emily-jacobson], hematology oncology physician assistant, both with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital [https://www.lvhn.org/institutes/lehigh-valley-reilly-childrens-hospital], part of Jefferson Health.     How do you know if your period is too heavy? What other symptoms may women experience because of heavy periods? What causes heavy periods? Which bleeding disorders are linked to heavy menstrual cycles? How can you heal your menstrual cycle? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month. Chapters: * 0:01 - Intro * 1:11 - Heavy periods  * 3:08 - Other symptoms related to heavy periods  * 3:47 - Iron deficiency  * 4:47 - Ferritin  * 6:53 - Causes of heavy periods  * 7:39 - Bleeding disorders linked to heavy periods  * 11:08 - Getting a diagnosis and starting to heal

Reset Your Health With the Jefferson Lifestyle Program

Small steps started today can lead to significant changes that “future you” will be proud of. The Jefferson Lifestyle Program helps you create healthy habits so you can manage stress, sleep better, eat well, exercise regularly and get connected in your community.   If you want to hear more about this program, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part Two of our podcast series, you’ll hear from Medical Director of the Jefferson Lifestyle Program Courtney Pinkham, MD [https://www.lvhn.org/doctors/courtney-pinkham], with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health.   How does the Jefferson Lifestyle Program help reframe your thoughts around diet and boost your confidence in the kitchen? How will lifestyle medicine [https://www.lvhn.org/news/introducing-jefferson-lifestyle-program] experts help you on your fitness journey? What are some ways sleep problems are addressed in the program? What kinds of stress management strategies will be covered? How do relationships impact our physical and mental health? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month. Chapters: * 0:01 - Intro * 0:26 - How to boost your confidence in the kitchen * 2:12 - Fitness that fits your lifestyle * 5:11 - Addressing sleep problems * 10:56 - Stress management  * 13:00 - Mindfulness exercises * 15:41 - The power of community * 17:39 - Words of encouragement

Healthier Habits? Try the Jefferson Lifestyle Program

Which areas of your health are you ready to change this year? From better sleep to regular exercise to eating nourishing meals, anything is possible when you know your “why.”   If you want to hear about a program that can help you on your journey to become a healthier you, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part One of our podcast series, you’ll hear from Medical Director of the Jefferson Lifestyle Program Courtney Pinkham, MD [https://www.lvhn.org/doctors/courtney-pinkham], with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health.   What are some barriers to forming habits? How can lifestyle medicine [https://www.lvhn.org/news/introducing-jefferson-lifestyle-program] improve your health? What are practical ways to build better habits? Which chronic diseases can be addressed with lifestyle changes? What is the Jefferson Lifestyle Program? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month. Chapters: * 0:01 - Intro * 1:00 - All about habits * 4:45 - Barriers to forming habits * 7:43 - Making changes without feeling overwhelmed  * 13:59 - About lifestyle medicine * 15:02 - Reverse chronic disease * 19:54 - The Jefferson Lifestyle Program * 23:33 - What to expect at a group session * 27:42 - How to join the program

Beef Tallow Skin Care, Red-Light Therapy and More Trends: Part Two

What’s the beef with tallow? Depending on your skin type, beef tallow (cow fat) skin care can either leave you hydrated or clog your pores.    If you want to hear which skin care trends you should try or skip, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part Two of our podcast series, you’ll hear from medical esthetician Karissa Wolf [https://www.lvhn.org/people/karissa-wolf], with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health.   What are the pros and cons of using beef tallow skin care? Does face tape work for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles? Which at-home face mask recipes work? Are at-home red-light therapy masks worth it? Should you use an ice roller to depuff your face? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month. Chapters: * 0:01 - Intro * 0:21 - Beef tallow skin care * 0:53 - Face tape for anti-aging  * 2:05 - DIY face masks  * 3:22 - Red-light therapy masks  * 4:41 - Ice baths and ice rollers * 5:31 - Self-tanner or sunless tanning * 6:21 - Building a strong skin barrier * 7:08 - Skin care trends we’ve tried * 8:14 - The secret to healthy skin